Over the last few weeks, schools all over the world have temporarily closed their doors. In the absence of traditional classrooms, people are searching for ways to continue their children’s education. We found several fun, easy, and low cost educational activities that your kids will love.
What kid doesn’t love animals? The San Diego Zoo has live cameras for all your furry and feathered watching enjoyment. There are Polar bears, Koalas, Apes, Elephants, and more! Be sure to check out the Burrowing owl when it’s night in California. You will be able to see the glowing eyes of this predator as it sits on its perch.
Ever wonder how we taste food? Or why do we like some food and not others? How about, why does our tongue hurt if we eat too much pineapple? Check out this episode of But Why: A Podcast For Curious Kids, and hear professionals like Celebrity Chef, Christopher Kimball answer these intriguing questions and more. If you find this fascinating, be sure to listen to the Beanboozled episode of Proof. You will learn how flavors are created, starting with unconventional jelly bean flavors like dirty socks and boogers.
Computers have become an essential part of our lives, but how do our favorite apps and games work? Coded programming. Code, for short, is a language that a computer understands and carries out tasks based on the written code. Learn beginner coding for free through a series of fun games on Blockly.
Who knew making candy involves so much science! Make your own rock candy treat while learning about crystallization and solubility. For a flavored version, add 1-dram of your favorite LorAnn Super Strength to the recipe shown in the video. Be sure to share your growing rock candy’s progress on Facebook.
If hard candy isn’t your thing, how about some glow in the dark Jello. Learn how ingredients, like Quinine, absorb ultraviolet light, then re-emit it in a way that causes it to glow. If that’s not cool enough, you get to eat it when your’re done!
Make your own orange fizzy soda while you learn about bases, acids, and chemical reactions. All you need is some orange juice and baking soda. Once the base (baking soda) is mixed with the orange juice (acid), carbon dioxide is released, creating fizz (chemical reaction).
How about some geography? Take free tours of U.S. National Parks through Google Earth. Visit places like Yosemite, Zion, Arches, Denali, and Dry Tortugas right from your living room. What are the differences you notice at each location?
What is a well-rounded education without art and music? Join Mo Willems for a fun lesson in doodling. He will post a new episode every day at 1pm EST. If you like to listen to music while you doodle-away, get down with Hootenanny on YouTube.
